Complaint volume
711 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Ford Explorer Complaints
711 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
711 Total complaints
14 Crash reports
7 Fire reports
12 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are structure, unknown or other, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 14 crash reports, 7 fire reports, 12 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 284 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 53,609 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to structure, unknown or other, engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Ford Explorer complaints?
14 Crash
7 Fire
12 Injury
0 Fatality
30 Towed
5 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 250
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 114
ENGINE 57
POWER TRAIN 27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18
SUSPENSION 15
BACK OVER PREVENTION 12
STEERING 11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 11
711 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | I’ve recently heard from a-couple ford owners and ford technicians them selves that our vehicles come with faulty APIM modules and I just recently found out there was a recall on the 2017 model . I do not understand why there is not a recall on the 2018 model also as mine and several other peoples screen went completely black out of nowhere which is a part called the APIM module has failed which is a safety hazard that I cannot call 911 in an event or even use the back up camera for the safety of my vehicle . APIM modules are not cheap and they are not covered by a lot of warranty companies but it includes so many vital parts or pieces that’s supposed to be included . Please seek to look into this APIM module recall for 2018 models also as it’s been a headache for many people . | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | VISIBILITY | Parts of the front windshield trim/seals on the passenger and driver's side have come off on their own. Just noticed that I am missing substantial parts of the driver's side seal and the passenger side is cracked and missing in some areas. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WITHOUT WARNING, IN 8/2022 AND AGAIN IN 12/2022, THE VERTICAL WINDSHIELD PANELS FLEW OFF MY 2018 FORD EXPLORER SUV WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED ON US RT. 495 IN HAVERHILL MA., POTENTIALLY POSING A HAZARD TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | The passenger side windshield panel dislodged and flew off the car while driving on the highway at highway speeds. It was sudden event and I had no warning or noise before it happened. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE | 2018 Ford Explorer Water Pump failed with little to no warning causing catastrophic damage to the engine. Flashing check engine light came on for less than 30 second and then turned off I conducted a visual inspection everything seemed fine. Next morning as I was driving to the dealership to have the vehicle serviced, check engine light came on and moments later the vehicle stalled unexpectedly in a busy intersection. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the exterior driver’s side trim piece along the windshield detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle part was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Feb 2023 | VISIBILITY | Windshield trim was coming off while I was driving on interstate 95 at high speed. I was able to secure it before it blew off with some tape and stopped off the highway and got some black duct tape. I have not had it fixed yet but the tape is holding well so far. I just read that this is being investigated. I don't believe that I should have to pay to repair this as it seems to be happening to others. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | ENGINE | My 2018 Ford Explorer's water pump is leaking and has caused my car to overheat and then shut down on the highway. Having my car immediately begin to overheat and slow down on a fast-moving highway is very dangerous. I have discovered that this is an issue that Ford is aware of for my year's vehicle but does not want to do a recall to fix the part and if I fix it, they will only be able to install a similar faulty pump again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | STRUCTURE | On or about January 4, 2023, while travelling on Hwy 22 in Texas at approximately 65 mph the right (passenger) side window trim unexpectedly flew off, landing in the road behind me. There was no previous indication of the trim being loose. The safety of others is a concern because the trim could have hit, or cause a diversion from, traffic in either direction. When I called the dealer to schedule the repair, the Parts person explained that this was a "routine" occurrence for this Make/Model of vehicle (they knew the part number), but the vehicle was safe to drive until the part was replaced. The part was replaced on Jan 16 at a cost of $438. There has been no subsequent inspection of the replacement trim/parts, but there are no indications of an issue since replacing the trim/parts. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | No incident has occurred yet but I heard about the issue with the windshield parts coming loose. I have experienced the sound of air coming through the edges of the windshield when traveling on the highway. The sounds has gotten louder over time and I am always concerned that damage could occur during these travels. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera image was distorted and unviewable. The vehicle had also experienced various electrical failures which included the headlights independently turning on while the vehicle was off. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed. The vehicle also experienced the liftgate opening independently while driving. The contact also had difficulties starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear camera wire connector had failed due to water damage. The connector was replaced but later the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Jan 2023 | SUSPENSION | In wet, or snowy conditions, or when driving over a bump in the road, the rear end of the vehicle jerks sideways. New tires and 4 wheel alignment have not corrected the issue. Vehicle feels like it may lose control. Symptoms feel the same as previous year explorer that had a rear toe link issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who stated that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 62,000 |
| Jan 2023 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention camera image froze and intermittently failed to display an image. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and a camera sensor message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | SUSPENSION | The contact called in for a client who owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact works at an independently owned auto body shop. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed into the body shop for inspection. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s rear toe link had fractured. The contact stated that while the owner of the vehicle was driving at an undisclosed speed, he lost control of the vehicle and spun out, and ran off the road causing damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that he was called by the State Police to tow the vehicle. The contact was unaware of any injuries being sustained during the failure. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 59,004. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | 59,004 |
| Nov 2022 | SUSPENSION | Driving about 50mph on dry country road, good visibility, when suddenly car pulled hard right. We went onto a grass embankment, I managed to pull left back onto the road, but car fish-tailed uncontrollably, we hit crash barrier, and finally came to a stop. Badly shaken but no injuries. Examining car, besides body damage, most notably rear drivers side wheel was mis-aligned with car by about 15 degrees. Photo of suspension I took shows broken toe-link, subsequently confirmed by body shop and loss adjuster. The car had new rear struts 2 days earlier, but at that time no report of a broken toe-link. I have subsequently learnt there is a recall for broken toe-link for Ford Explorers 2013-2017, but mine is 2018. But I suspect the recall should have been broader - my toe-link looks like one subject to recall. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN | 2018 Ford Explorer developed a shudder and rough idle, sluggish vehicle operation, slow acceleration during launch. No warning lamps. Researched issues online and found a bulletin from Ford Motor Company dated October 9, 2020 that identified the issue as a torque converter defect. My vehicle was manufactured during the identified time period and at the identified assembly plant but I did not receive a notice from Ford for the repair program. My vehicle has exhibited all of the known issues as well as a total loss of power while reversing leaving me sideways in the middle of the road while I had my family on a road trip risking collision and injury. Dealership confirms there was an issue but refuses to repair because my VIN was not listed in their system as affected. Feel the issue may extend to more vehicles than Ford previously figured. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN | As I was driving the car slowed down and jerked a little. ( no lights came on ) It happened again getting on the freeway, on another day. Still no lights on the dash. It did it another time and the light that indicate it's the power train. All while I was going through this I took it to a shop that said nothing was wrong with my vehicle. I only had my vehicle 5 months before the first slow down. I tried to take it to Pat Millenkin Ford they MEVER looked at the powertrain after me telling them I thought it was the transmission, but I was told it has no issues because it wasn't a light on. Two day's after getting my car back same problem happened, I called then was giving the run around then after my warranty expired they said bring it in which now they want me to pay over $4000 but they never did a diagnostic test on my powertrain. There also was a manufacturer customer satisfaction program from Ford on the transmission #20N07 before I purchased. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear windshield trim separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear windshield trim needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he needed to pay for the repair because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 57,000 |
| Oct 2022 | VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the weather stripping around the windshield and the rubber seal around all doors had started to deteriorate on the passenger’s and driver’s side rear doors. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the windshield molding and the rubber stripping on the doors needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 27,632. | Crash: No Fire: No | 27,632 |
| Sep 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The entire main console screen/information center went black one day. It was unable to be manually reset. Occasionally, on very hot days, the screen would work for the first start up. There are major safety issues associated with this: 1- inability to enable calling for help/911. There is a remote on the steering wheel to make phone calls, however, when the carplay is active and the phone is connected, you must only use the screen, the steering wheel feature is automatically disabled 2- The backup camera system is inoperable when the screen is black. This is dangerous as you cannot see hazards behind you including children, other vehicles, etc. When I contacted Ford's IT department to first report it, they said this has been an ongoing issue with updates that they were aware of, but unable to fix. Skalnek Ford in Lake Orion attempted to diagnose the safety issue for weeks and ultimately the APIM needed replacement. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My car produces a sulfer/burning smell at hard acceleration. When I am merging into traffic at 3500-4000 and over RMP, an awful smell enters the cabin. I am very concerned that this is unsafe for my family and children in the vehicle, as well as the environment. I have had this vehicle looked by Ford and they claim everything looks normal. It is not normal to have this smell while accelerating. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ENGINE | In mid-July 2022, I attempted to fix the exhaust issue when accelerating in my 2018 Explorer. Ford dealership found there was a crack in the exhaust. Ford Corporate paid for the repairs. The problems persisted but were not as quick to notice, but still faintly smell it. Since July, I feel the dealership never fix the issue, and since the heat has worsened, the exhaust also has. Ford Corp, in a statement, has stated that it's "normal" to smell exhausted when accelerating. The Ford Dealership has also echoed this statement. Our Ford Fusion 2015 has never smelled like exhaust. My Mercedes never, either. From my understanding, 2017 Explorer had this recall, l and it seems they never fixed the issue. I feel it's not safe, as my family, my 1 yr old granddaughter, and myself are being poisoned. Today, I ordered carbon monoxide to record this data and will find out what is legally allowed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Roof rack rails have detached from my vehicle several times since purchasing my vehicle. The Ford dealership knows of the problem, attempted a brandade approach to solve the problem but has not fixed the problem. They used glue to try an fix a potential but that could result in the rail becoming detached on the freeway, flying off and striking another car and causing an accident. The right rail on my explorer came off on the freeway and luckily did not strike another vehicle. Despite knowing the problem and not accepting blame, my dealership asked me to pay for replacement rails. Ford should be instructed to recall all Ford Explorers with these rails and come up with a permanent fix before a major accident result in the death of someone. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Her husband pulled over and upon inspection, her husband saw fluid leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence where the dealer was notified and instructed him to tow the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a defective water pump. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 85,000 |